Tiller with folding handle and clutch control

ABSTRACT

A folding tiller handle is made in two pieces connected for limited relative longitudinal and pivotal movement, one piece being a permanent part of the basic tiller assembly. A belt tightening idler sheave is associated with a belt drive which provides the motive force for rotating the tiller tine assembly. A control, which includes two separable rigid rod members, moves the idler sheave into and out of tightening engagement with the drive belt. The rods are joined through a connection which imparts rotary motion from one rod to the other and which also permits relative longitudinal movement therebetween to separate the rods. The rods are associated with respective pieces of the tiller handle so that when the handle is separated or folded, the control connection to the tightening sheave through the rods is interrupted and the drive belt cannot be tightened to establish the tiller drive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tillers and, more particularly, to a combinedhandle-clutch control mechanism for such tillers.

In the past, it has been known to provide folding handles for tillersand similar power implements. The clutch control in those arrangementshave generally been of the bowden wire type such that the controlconnection to the tiller clutch mechanism is not interrupted when thehandle is folded. This presents a potentially unsafe condition in thatthe tiller could then be operated inadvertently, or intentionally, withthe handle folded resulting in operation in a hazardous manner.

This invention is concerned with this problem and has as one of itsgeneral objects, to provide a folding handle arrangement with anassociated clutch control mechanism such that, when the handle isfolded, the clutch control is rendered inoperative and the clutchmechanism cannot be engaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For the achievement of this and other objects, this invention proposes aclutch control for a tiller which is operatively associated with afolding handle in such a manner that when the handle is folded thecontrol connection to the clutch is interrupted and the clutch cannot beengaged.

Preferably, the folding handle is made up of two portions connected suchthat the portion which is not a fixed part of the remainder of thetiller assembly (including an engine, tine assembly, and clutchmechanism) is supported for limited movement to release it for pivotalmovement into a folded position. The clutch control similary has twoportions, one associated with the fixed portion of the folding handleand the other with the movable portion thereof. Those two portions areconnected to the clutch mechanism such that control movement of thoseportions is transmitted to the clutch mechanism to selectively establisha drive connection from the engine to the tine assembly or interruptthat drive connection. The two clutch control portions are connectedsuch that when the handle portions are connected in their normaloperating configuration, they establish a control connection to theclutch but when the movable handle portion has been moved to release itfor folding movement, the connection between the clutch control portionsis interrupted and the clutch mechanism cannot be operated through theclutch control.

With this arrangement, the versatility of a folding handle of thetiller, or similar power implement, is provided but is coordinated withthe clutch control to prevent operation of the tiller when the handle isfolded. This alleviates a potentially hazardous operational condition ofthe tiller.

Other objects and advantages will be pointed out in, or be apparentfrom, the specification and claims, as will obvious modifications of theembodiment shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a tiller embodying this invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the tiller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the handle connection;

FIG. 4 is a section along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the handle sections of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a section along line 6--6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the clutch control members;

FIG. 8 is a section along line 8--8 of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the lower end of the clutch controlmembers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As illustrated in a general manner in the drawings, a tiller 1 includesan engine 2, a tine assembly 3 and a gear box assembly 4. A clutcharrangement 6 is provided between the engine and the gear box to permitselective interruption of the drive connection between the engine andthe tine assembly. In operation, the tine assembly is rotated in agenerally clockwise direction.

A clutch control mechanism 7 is associated with the tiller handle 8 toprovide for selective control over the completion and interruption ofthe drive connection between the engine and gear box.

The assemblies and subassemblies mentioned to this point make up thebasic tiller construction. To perform a tilling operation, engine 2 isstarted by a hand pull cord, clutch 6 is engaged to complete the driveconnection to the tine assembly and the tiller is advanced on wheels 9as the tine assembly is rotating to accomplish the tilling operation.

In accordance with this invention, the tiller is provided with a foldinghandle the construction of which will now be described morespecifically. The handle is made up of two extensions 5 and 10. Sinceboth extensions 5 and 10 have the same construction only one will bedescribed, the description being applicable to both. The sameidentifying numbers will beapplied to corresponding parts of each sothat the description can be read on both.

Each handle extension includes an elongated lower portion 11 fixed tothe basic engine-gear box-clutch-tine assembly of the tiller. An upperelongated portion 12 is movable relative to the lower portion.Connecting means 13 at the adjacent ends of the upper and lower handleportions is such that the upper portion is capable of limitedlongitudinal movement relative to the lower portion and also capable ofpivoting relative to thelower portion. More specifically and withreference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, end 14 of the movable handle portion isreduced to form a blade extension 16. The blade extension includes anelongated recess 17 and an elongated slot 18 extending part way throughthe recess 17 and beyond the recess into the main portion of the handle.The recess and slot are arranged parallel to, preferably on, thelongitudinal axis of the movable portion 12 of the handle. Enlargedcircular areas 19 and 21 are provided in slot 18 in the portion thereofwhich extends into the main part of the movable handle portion.

The free end 22 of the fixed handle portion is provided with anelongated recess 23, which is also parallel to and preferably on thelongitudinal axis of the lower fixed portion of the handle. A strap 24is formed from aportion of end 22 and extends over the recess 23intermediate the ends of the recess. A hole 26 is provided in the recess23 and a nut 27 is welded to the back or inside of the recess at hole 26and receives a wind bold 28. The wing bolt includes a pilot portion 29having a diameter corresponding generally to that of the circular areas19 and 21 so that itcan be received in one or the other of those areas.Recess 23 is open at end 25 of handle portion 11 so that recess 17 canslide into recess 23.

The handle is assembled by sliding blade 16 into recess 23 behind strap24.Relative to each other, recesses 17 and 23 are complimentary and nestone within the other in the assembled handle. After the blade has beenpositioned behind strap 24, wing bolt 28 is inserted in hole 26 withpilot29 aligned with one or the other circular areas 19 or 21 and thewing bolt threaded down to clamp the two handle portions together. Strap24 assists in holding the two ends together so that the handleconnection does not rely solely on the clamping force provided by thewing bolt. The provisionof the two circular area 19 and 21 permits somelimited adjustment in the extension of the handle. Obviously, morecircular areas can be provided and the wing bolt can be tightened downother than at the circular areas to afford still more adjustment.

When the tiller is not in use and the handle is to be folded forstorage, the wing bolt is relieved but not completely withdrawn from nut27. With the clamping force relieved, the upper handle portion iswithdrawn until blade 16 clears strap 24, at which point recess 17 canbe sprung from recess 23 and the handle folded in either a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction to nest either over the engine or at the backof the tiller (thedotted line showings in FIG. 1). The mating recesseson the two handle portions, together with the strap and wing boltconnection, provide a rigid interconnection of the handle parts duringoperation. But that connecting means also permits ready release so thatthe handle can be folded and without necessitating separation of theupper handle from the main tiller.

In accordance with this invention, clutch control mechanism 7 isoperatively associated with extension 10 of the handle such that whenthe handle is folded, or separated, the clutch cannot be operated tocomplete the drive connection to the engine. Therefore, with the handlefolded, even though the engine may be started, the tine assembly cannotbe rotated.

A general understanding of the clutch mechanism will be helpful to anunderstanding of the control for that mechanism. The clutching mechanismis more specifically described and claimed in the co-pending applicationof Edward W. Enters and Mark J. Itle, filed Feb. 23, 1976, Ser. No.660,129, entitled Clutch Mechanism for Rotary Tillers and the like andassigned to the assignee of this invention. If details beyond those nowtobe given are required, reliance is placed on that co-pendingapplication. Adrive sheave 31 is connected to the crank shaft of engine2, driven sheave 32 is connected to the gear box, and belt 33 extendsbetween those two sheaves. The belt is of a length to fit loosely onboth sheaves with idlersheave 34 supported to be moved to tighten thebelt on the drive and drivensheaves to establish the drive connection.Idler sheave 34 is supported on a bracket 36 pivotally attached to thegear box of the tiller. To completethe drive connection, the bracket 36is pivoted in a clockwise direction totighten the belt on sheaves 31 and32. When released, the bracket and idlersheave fall counterclockwise bygravity. To selectively impart this clockwise movement to the idler, atension spring 37 is connected between bracket 36 and an arm 38. Arm 38is welded to a lower control rod 39 and is journaled in a flap 41provided on the frame of the tiller. The end of clutch control rod 39extends through an opening in the flap and pin 42 prevents withdrawal ofthe control rod from that opening. Arm 38 and spring 37 provide motiontransmitting means whereby rotation of control rod 39 in a clockwisedirection is transmitted to the idler to tighten thebelt, the springaccommodates overtravel movement without excessive tensionbeing placedon the belt.

With reference now to the upper handle portion 12, upper control rod 43is associated with that handle portion. The upper control rod extendsthrougha hole 46 in handle shelf 44 and is pinned to prevent withdrawalof the rodthrough that hole. A connection is provided between theadjacent ends of the upper and lower control rods which permits rotationto be transmitted between those rods but also permits the upper rod tobe separated from thelower rod. More specifically, the upper control rod43 includes a shaped end 49 (see FIG. 7 and 8). The rod is basicallycircular in cross section and a flat 51 is provided on the end. Acoupling member 52 is welded to the upper end of control rod 39. Thecoupling includes arms 53 and 54 and a web 56, the latter being weldedto the end of the control rod. Arms 53 and 54 are provided with holes 57having a shape conforming to and closelyengaging the shaped end 49.

With this control rod construction, when handle portion 12 is movedlongitudinally to permit folding as described above, the upper controlrodportion is withdrawn from coupling 52 thereby interrupting thecontrol linkage. The idler sheave cannot be moved into engagement withbelt 33 regardless of how the upper handle portion is manipulated andthe drive connection to the tine assembly is positively interruptedwhile the handleis folded. When the handle is reassembled to itsoperative condition, the operator must positiviely locate and insert theshaped end 49 of the uppercontrol rod into holes 57 of coupling 52 andthe engagement with the coupling will not be accomplished unless thehandle is properly connected.These are all safeguards against improperoperation of the tiller. The rods39 and 43 are rigid, as compared tocable arrangements such as bowden wires, this facilitates the making ofthe proper connection just discussed.

Rotation of the control rod is achieved through a control handle 58locatedat the top of the handle 8. Since the bracket and idler sheave 34will normally fall away from the belt and will engage the belt only whenpositively moved in that direction, the control handle must be rotatedandheld in position to establish and maintain the drive connection.Should theoperator lose his grip on the control handle for any reason,the idler willbe released and fall away from the belt interrupting thedrive connection, thereby providing a "dead man" safety feature.

Although this invention has been illustrated and described in connectionwith a particular embodiment thereof, it will be apparent to thoseskilledin the art that various changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from thescope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. In a tiller having an engine, a tine assembly, and a clutchmechanism having an operative state completing a drive connection fromsaid engine to said tine assembly and an inoperative state interruptingthat drive connection, the improvement ofa folding handle comprising:alower elongated portion, an upper elongated portion, and connectingmeans joining said upper and lower portions and operative to selectivelyclamp said upper and lower portions against relative movement and in aposition with their respective longitudinal axes generally aligned andfurther operative to release said upper portion for limited longitudinalmovement with respect to said lower portion sufficient to release saidupper portion for pivotal movement thereof relative to said lowerportion, and a clutch control connected to and operative to switch saidclutch mechanism being said operative and inoperative states, saidclutch control comprising:first elongated rod means, means connectingsaid first rod means to said upper handle portion for movement therewithand relative thereto, motion transmitting means operatively associatedwith and movable to establish the operative and inoperative states ofsaid clutch mechanism, and means for operatively connecting said firstrod means to said motion transmitting means so that movement of saidfirst rod means relative to said upper handle portion is transmitted tosaid clutch mechanism to establish selectively the operative andinoperative states of said clutch mechanism and further operative tointerrupt said operative connection of said first rod means and saidmotion transmitting means when said upper handle portion has been movedlongitudinally sufficient to release said upper handle portion forpivotal movement.
 2. The tiller of claim 1 whereinsaid motiontransmitting means includes second elongated rod means, and said meansfor connecting said first rod means to said motion transmitting meansincludes first and second mating members on said first and second rodmeans movable into and out of mating engagement in response tolongitudinal movement of said upper handle portion so that saidoperative connection to said clutch mechanism is completed andinterrupted in accordance with the longitudinal position of said upperhandle portion relative to said lower handle portion.
 3. The tiller ofclaim 2wherein said first mating member comprises a shaped end on one ofsaid rod means, the configuration of said end being noncircular intransverse cross section, wherein said second mating member comprisesmeans fixed to the other of said rod means and having an opening theconfiguration of which corresponds to the cross section of said shapedend, wherein said rod means end being received in and withdrawn fromsaid opening in accordance with the longitudinal position of said upperhandle portion relative to said lower handle portion, and includingmeans supporting said first and second rod means for rotation relativeto said handle, said rotational movement determining the operative andinoperative states of said clutch mechanism.
 4. The tiller of claim 1whereinsaid upper and lower handle portions have ends each of whichinclude a generally elongated recessed area, said recessed areasreceivable in and removable from each other, one of said recessed areasalso including an elongated slot and the other including a lock opening,said slot and said lock opening being aligned when said recessed areasare disposed one within the other, and fastening means extending throughsaid opening and said slot and operative to selectively clamp said upperand lower handle portions against relative longitudinal movement andfreeing said upper and lower handle portions for said relativelongitudinal movement while maintaining a connection therebetween. 5.The tiller of claim 4 further includingmeans defining a plurality ofcircular areas spaced along said slot, and means on said fastening meanscorresponding to the configuration of said circular areas andselectively receivable therein.
 6. The tiller of claim 4 whereinsaidmotion transmitting means includes second elongated rod means, and saidmeans for connecting said first rod means to said motion transmittingmeans includes first and second mating members on said first and secondrod means movable into and out of mating engagement in response tolongitudinal movement of said upper handle portion so that saidoperative connection to said clutch mechanism is completed andinterrupted in accordance with the longitudinal position of said upperhandle portion relative to said lower handle portion.
 7. The tiller ofclaim 6wherein said first mating member comprises a shaped end on one ofsaid rod means, the configuration of said end being noncircular intransverse cross section, wherein said second mating member comprisesmeans fixed to the other of said rod means and having an opening theconfiguration of which corresponds to the cross section of said shapedend, wherein said rod means end being received in and withdrawn fromsaid opening in accordance with the longitudinal position of said upperhandle portion relative to said lower handle portion, and includingmeans supporting said first and second rod means for rotation relativeto said handle, said rotational movement determining the operative andinoperative states of said clutch mechanism.
 8. The tiller of claim 7further includingmeans defining a plurality of circular areas spacedalong said slot, and means on said fastening means corresponding to theconfiguration of said circular areas and selectively receivable therein.9. The tiller of claim 8 including means defining a strap extending overand spaced above said elongated slot,and the portion of said handlereceivable in said slot being positioned between said slot and saidstrap.
 10. The tiller of claim 1 whereinsaid folding handle comprisesfirst and second handle extensions such handle extension including saidlower elongated portion, said upper elongated portion and saidconnecting means joining said upper and lower portions, and said clutchcontrol is associated with one of said handle extensions.